THE FIRST flurry of nominations have arrived for awards recognising the hardworking and dedicated people of St Austell and surrounding areas.

Two weeks after the first Saints Awards were launched, the community is embracing the opportunity to reward those who make the area great.

From the youth club leader who always goes the extra mile to someone who works tirelessly to make the area a greener, more environmentally friendly place.

People are being given a voice as to who they would like to see become the recipient of a Saints Award.

This year there are 12 categories, 11 of which are nominated and voted on by the public.

These will then go through to the final stage and the winner with the most votes in each category will take to the podium at the special star-studded ceremony at Eden Project to receive their special trophies on Saturday, March 10.

Categories include the Arts Award which celebrates an outstanding contribution to the local arts scene in writing, drama and poetry to an award celebrating the public's favourite local place to eat or drink.

The 12th category is the Lifetime Achievement Award, which is to be chosen by the Saints Awards' committee.

People can either nominate themselves or someone they feel is worthy of the recognition for one of the categories.

The only criteria is that the person nominated must live within the PL22 to PL26 postcode.

But time is running out to make your nominations.

People only have until Friday, October 7 to make their nominations.

Will Burt, White River Cinema manager, instigated the Saints Awards.

His idea to have a Saints Award for St Austell and its nearby towns and villages was spurred on after he and his team scooped the prestigious industry award for best independent cinema at the RAAM UK celebrations earlier this year.

He wanted to bring the cinema's feeling of elation at receiving recognition back to the town and give people the chance to do the same.

When he shared the idea with Sheila Vanloo, of Radio St Austell Bay (RSAB), and St Austell town councillor and RSAB presenter Nick Cook at the opening of the Eden Cafe at White River Place earlier this year, he won their support.

Since then RSAB along with other businesses and community-minded individuals have become involved with the event.

Readers can choose how they nominate. Either fill out the printed form in this edition and return it to the Cornish Guardian or the White River Cinema, St Austell.

Nominations can also be made at www.thisiscorn wall.co.uk/NOMINATION-FORM-Honouring-Saints/story-13281582-detail/story.html or by going to RSAB and White River Cinema's websites.

For more information visit the awards' dedicated Facebook page.